Bar Bites Beyond: NYC Volume IV
Well, folks, it finally happened. I finally got back to New York City after three(!) years of being away from one of my favorite places on Earth. On Earth? Yes. It’s a bold and very true statement.
No where else I’ve been or lived has ever made me feel as strong, confident, or capable as I feel when I am in New York. I just love it.
I love the energy, the people, the scent, the rush, the joy, the craziness, the hustle, the bustle, and everything in between. Some people choose Disney World; I’ll take Manhattan. I simply love it.
Recently, I was fortunate to travel to the city for a very brief work trip (around 50 hours total) which included the work stuff, but I still had time for my favorites - specifically the food!
New York has definitely changed in some ways since my last visit in 2019, but my city groove fell right back into place within minutes of my feet hitting the pavement. I opted to walk as much as possible and made sure I wore proper footwear (read: sneakers) so I wouldn’t be slowed down by my choices. ;)
Since it was a brief visit, I didn’t make it to too many spots, but the four I’m sharing with you are top-notch. Do not worry!
As always, I have to order gluten free wherever I eat due to celiac disease so you can rest assured that any place I recommend is a great option for those with a similar dietary restriction. If you have other dietary requirements besides gluten free, then be sure to research in advance of your visit so you too can live your best life while visiting the city.
Without a doubt, speak up for yourself and make sure you feel comfortable eating wherever you choose - my favorites may not be the same as yours - and be sure to alert the waitstaff about your gluten free needs (or any other restriction as well).
So, shall we dine? Let’s go!
Theater across from the hotel - wish I had time for a show!
Friedman’s - An excellent option for breakfast or lunch, with multiple locations around New York, this spot is a great place to start your day. I’d recommend the classic pancakes in the morning and the fried chicken (at the Chelsea Market location) in the afternoon. Can’t go wrong with either option because they’re both delicious!
Fried chicken, made safely gluten free, is somewhat rare so I tend to jump on the opportunity whenever possible. Pancakes are in my Top Ten of breakfast items so you know I’ll be ordering gluten free ones any time they’re on a menu. ;) With six locations throughout NY, I strongly recommend dining at one of them (at least once) during your trip.
Beautiful sunset following a wonderful meal at The Tyger.
The Tyger - This is a new-to-me, Southeast Asian restaurant where my team and I dined on the first night of the trip. OMG it was amazing! Not only is there a sizable gluten free menu, but the waitstaff were quite knowledgable and incredibly awesome about making as much of the menu available to me as possible.
My co-workers had The Feast, which is a multi-course tasting menu (shareable dishes that just kept coming!) and I was brought multiple dishes as well that were ridiculously delicious. We all had superb cocktails as well! Must order: Hamachi Crudo, Pad See Ew, and the Turmeric and Coconut Crepe. I cannot recommend this place enough; make a reservation and go there on your next visit. I’ll be there!
Cab ride views on route to City Winery.
Pan Roasted Halibut at City Winery. Stellar!
City Winery - For the second night of the trip, we all had dinner at City Winery which was another new-to-me restaurant. City Winery is a “venue, restaurant, and winery,” that features live music, comedy shows, and has event space. Wow! What a cool spot located along the Hudson River (and has other locations outside NYC).
In terms of the food, it was delicious! There are plenty of menu items marked “GF” and I was thrilled with the variety available. I had stellar duck confit tacos for an appetizer (on corn tortillas) and then incredibly delicious Pan Roasted Halibut which I am still dreaming about. I highly recommend checking out City Winery for lunch or dinner or buying tickets to a live music or comedy show for an evening activity. It will be a wonderful night!
A very close-up view of my very amazing gluten free everything bagel with scallion cream cheese.
Now that’s what I call a great bagel-to-cream-cheese ratio.
Modern Bread and Bagel - For my last morning in New York, I finally was able to visit my absolute favorite for…bagels! Gluten. Free. Bagels. OMG. This is not a drill nor an exaggeration. Best gluten free bagels ever, hands-down, and they have been voted as such. No joke.
This spot had opened their first location on the UWS a few years ago and during my last trip I went in for breakfast every single day. Truly. Now, word is out that Modern has the best gluten free bagels (and everything else too - it’s a 100% gluten free, kosher restaurant) and their second location just opened in Chelsea on W14th Street which is the one I visited. Joy doesn’t even begin to describe how happy I was to stroll right in, order a bagel and cream cheese (Everything bagel toasted with scallion cream cheese, please), and then inhale it by myself in a booth.
One of the best food moments of my year, folks. I was glowing! Well, I assume I was, but since I was by myself just take my word for it. I also ordered an almond milk latte which was great (plenty of beverage options) and contemplated ordering a second bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Coulda, woulda, shoulda…
Finally, I stopped myself from ordering one of everything to bring home, I opted for six bagels (three everything, three sesame) that subsequently made my luggage smell like bagels (AKA happiness) for the entire ride home. Whoops!
I should have brought home a dozen since those six were gone faster than you can say gluten free bagels are the best thing ever. But the good thing is that I can go back to New York. I’m planning my next visit for…literally as soon as possible. And in the meantime, Modern Bread and Bagel can ship those beauties directly to my door. :)
Whether you’re going to NYC for work, for vacation, or even the most-brief day trip, I highly recommend the spots in this guide and plenty of others throughout the city.
Need help planning your next trip to Manhattan? Send me a note! I’d love to help make sure you don’t miss a single, delicious dish. And don’t get me started on the shopping. ;)
I ❤️ NY.